Author, social entrepreneur and youth development activist, Sicelo Ngubane was born at Msinga-Top in Kwa-Zulu Natal, December 1982. Ngubane came to Daveyton early in his childhood and went to Nqubela School which is a combination of a primary and high school in Daveyton.
He then moved to Etwatwa in 1997 when his mother and step-father found a residential stand in the area, Emaphupheni Ext 18. At that time Ngubane and his family had no electricity and running water. He shared to Ekurhuleni News that he has always enjoyed drama, music and dance. He explains, “Before i officially joined the Tshepo-Themba multipurpose resource centre I started as a club member of the centre.
“Around 1998 Tshepo-Themba attracted local and international audience who were astonished by the level of our professionalism and dedication to the course. The first time i heard the word ‘Mentor’ it was during my drama days at Tshepo-Themba, Performing Arts.” Ngubane’s book titled ‘Unashamed’ was launched the last week Friday in Etwatwa. Good things were said about Ngubane as he also shared his journey.
‘Unashamed’ is the first published work of Ngubane. The book is a living documentary of the people who played a crucial role in uplifting Etwatwa, the book shares real life stories about the people in the township. “I am a good story teller because I have a very strong memory. After writing about people on social media the feedback was so positive and many people encouraged me to continue writing about them, I enjoy writing,” says Ngubane.“I grew up in poverty, which nearly stole my identity but I managed to break the barriers by rediscovering my purpose in life. Back then in school his English Teacher Mr. Mthombeni was very fond of him and his words had a positive impact on the author. He told me that my English was good and that was the first time I heard something positive which was said to me. I started following public speakers and my role model was Chris Hani. He would speak against classism and I wanted to be like him. He spoke without fear and he represented majority of poor black people. During our discussions with my peers I started debating with them about how classism was affecting our society. Many of my peers believed in me and started respecting me because I was always informed because I read alot. My class teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grow-up, when we told her what we wanted to be, she would give us advice on which subjects should we focus on. When it was my turn I said I want to be a President. The shock on my teachers face was evident. She said she didn’t know what subjects I must consider and she asked me to choose another career path and I said I want to be a President and I will study political science as I have always embraced being unique” Ngubane acknowledges.
The role Tshepo-Themba played in Ngubane’s life cannot be defined by words. He was sharpened by real irons, just after community members stood up against the OVL gang in Etwatwa. The department of Education started a counselling programme for school pupils and Ngubane was fortunate to be one of the psychotherapist’s facilitator. The reality was that most stories which were shared by young people were relevant to his life. Etwatwa gave him an opportunity to discover who he was. When he joined Tshepo-Themba Performing Arts ‘Sigida upepe!’ organised by the late manager, Happy Xaba, he went as far as organising Ngubane and his family food parcels. The Author elaborated further, saying: “I spoke to her and told her that I have an idea of doing a movie about Etwatwa and name it Etwatwa the movie. I then proceeded and started Etwatwa Media House which focuses on telling great stories about Etwatwa, inspiring stories only. The movie progressed from the development stages to pre-production which is the reason behind the book ‘Unashamed’. Through the book we want raise funds to finish the movie project. The production team of Etwatwa the movie worked very hard to make sure that the standard of professionalism is not compromised. As the executive producer it is my primary responsibility to raise funds for the movie. The challenge I’m prepared to conquer.”
Speakers such as Millicent Maroga shared at the launch that “the pen is mightier than the sword’. She borrowed the words from Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Ngubane explains that “I always express my feelings in the book and writing them down helps me to gain a brighter perspective. I strongly believe a book is a legacy project. Ever since the inception of lockdown in Etwatwa, it has allowed us to reflect on ourselves as individuals and as a country we must diagnose ourselves, by attending to the problems that we have. When Etwatwa is seen in the media it’s because of the wrong reasons and the Unashamed and Etwatwa the movie are components that will change the narrative.”
Ngubane expresses his gratitude to the Etwatwa society for embracing the projects done within their area. In closing he alluded, stating that, “In Etwatwa we have young people who are currently in senior positions and key strategic positions in well-known national companies. Their stories were not documented because when people see anything written in Etwatwa there’s a consciousness of moral guilt. Etwatwa started from nothing and given the opposite of what has already been said about Etwatwa we rise in solidarity and cohesion in restoring Etwatwa’s dignity. We are unashamed of our faults and short comings, without removing a page from our book we honour our leaders while they are still alive. The status quo is changing truly with cohesion and solidarity our communities will triumph against social ills.”
By Vuyokazi Bam
